Bunbury's John Castrilli thanks the people as he retires

“It was a very difficult decision to make and there was a part of me that wanted to continue,” he said when he sat down with the Mail for a chat on Friday. 

“But the majority of me realised I’ve been in public life for 26 continuous years and the time was right to transition into something else.”

Mr Castrilli has achieved a lot in 12 years as the Member for Bunbury. He played a key role in securing the Treendale Gardens facility which is operated by the MS Society of WA. He also secured capital investment in schools and the hospital’s emergency department and intensive care unit. 

More recently he chaired the Bunbury Marine Facilities Steering Committee through the complex task of deciding how Bunbury’s waterfront would be transformed – a project that will invest more than $50 million into the city. 

“In the coming years you will see a transformation in Bunbury like you’ve never seen,” he said. 

“I think we are at an exciting time in our history and the footprint of Bunbury will complement what’s happening in the greater South West area. I can see wonderful things growing and quite frankly, I don’t want to miss a part of it.” 

One of eight candidates will replace Mr Castrilli this weekend and be expected to spend the next four years leading our city forward. He said there are a few things his successor will need to know. 

“I don’t think anybody really understands the job that comes with being elected,” he said. 

“Every town and city is different and while there are some common threads, there are plenty of differences and the job changes every day. 

“Doing this job you learn a lot about yourself, society and people in general.”

Mr Castrill also said he has one very valuable piece of advice for his successor. 

“You’ve got to love Bunbury,” he said. “The community is fantastic and people can see what’s in your heart. If you’ve got the right intent – they will understand.”

In retiring from public life, Mr Castrilli said there were plenty of people he could thank, including his devoted staff and his loving wife Loretta. 

“I’m blessed to have Loretta with me,” he said. “From the day we were married, she has been by my side every step of the way. I sometimes joke that Bunbury is fortunate to have two for the price of one but really it’s true.”

He also heaped praise on the people of Bunbury. 

“Without their votes and the belief they have had in me for the last 12 years as a member of parliament – I would never have been in this position,” he said. 

“People can talk about aspirations but if the people in your community don’t vote for you, you don’t get anywhere, so I want to say thanks for what they have done and hopefully I’ve been able to do the best I can.”

To spend 26 years of your life doing the same thing takes drive and dedication but what would make someone put themselves in the public spotlight for such a long time?

Why would you want to have your every move watched, knowing that some will be quick to criticise a mistake? 

And why would someone choose to re-interview for their job every four years with the power to hire or fire you placed in the hands of every adult in the city where you live? 

Going in to interview John Castrilli before he retires, I intended to try and find out. 

“I’ve always mixed with people and tried to help them out,” he said.

I asked him what he saw as his biggest achievement in politics. 

“The new buildings and projects were fantastic but best of all were the individuals who came to me with problems and I did what I could to help them,” he said. 

“It’s a special thing when people entrust you with these problems – it’s a privilege they trust you to help in their time of need.” 

John’s office was half packed but a pin-up board inside the front door was still adorned with certificates, thank you cards and photographs from those he has helped. 

His willingness to assist anyone in need says a lot about him as a man.

I dug deeper. I wanted to know what has driven the people’s champion to continue his quest for so long. 

“I love Bunbury and in all my dealings I’ve done what I can for the community,” he said. 

“When I wake up in the morning I just ask myself, ‘what is the right thing to do?’ and everything cascades down from there.”

But why is Bunbury so dear to you? I ask.

“It’s the people,” he said, “You can have all the best buildings in the world in your locality but that doesn’t make a community.”

“The community is made up of the people and what I’ve learnt in Bunbury is that there are an enormous amount of people out there who are good, honest and hard working. They stick their hands out in friendship and help those around them. 

“I’m very proud of Bunbury for this particular reason.”

Well John, if the people of Bunbury are good, honest and hard working it is, in part, because we have had a great role model who demonstrated these exact qualities. 

It’s for this particular reason that Bunbury is very proud of you.